Jammu and Kashmir government is starting a trial test of a US patented technology to increase the shelf life of the apples in the non-controlled room temperature environment.
Imagine Kashmiri apple with an American twist!
Jammu and Kashmir government is starting a trial test of a US patented technology to increase the shelf life of the apples in the non-controlled room temperature environment.
Known as 1-MCP (Methylcyclopropene), the low-cost high-result technology, is used in the US and Europe to maintain the freshness of the fruits for longer periods.
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology (SKUAST) has been entrusted with the job of conducting the trial tests to find out how useful 1-MCP will be in prolonging the shelf life of fruit, particularly apples, in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Before we implement this technology, we need to see its ramifications through research," said Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Official figures reveal that of the total 16.5 lakh metric tonnes of apples produced in the state, only 35 per cent are of the export quality. In comparison, Europe exports nearly 80 per cent of its total apple produce.
Use of I-MCP (Methylcyclopropene) is expected to give the fledgling fruit and vegetable industries of Jammu and Kashmir an opportunity to deliver consistently the high quality produce safely to the markets.
Jammu and Kashmir is targeting to transform its Rs.3000 crore apple industry into a whopping Rs.15000 crore business over the next five years by rejuvenating orchards and adopting the high-density plantations.
Experts say that the ambitious target could only be possible by using the benchmark technologies that ensure freshness of fruit once it reaches the retail markets.
Prof Nazir Mir, a Kashmir-born scientist working in Rutgers University, New Jersey, who has done a pioneering research in 1-MCP, said given the volume of production, this technology is going to be very cost-effective.
Jammu and Kashmir government said the technology, which is regulated by Environmental Protection Agency of the US, can only be allowed to be used after the registration with the owners of the patent.
"New technology is a useful proposition which provides insulation to fruit against high temperatures", said Mufti.
Fruit growers have gone gaga over the government's decision to implement the technology in Jammu and Kashmir after trials.
"Our profits will soar by 30 per cent annually if this technology is put to use. Currently, the shelf life of apple in normal conditions is one to two months. Its life enhances to three to four months in cold storage. If we use the new technology, we can increase the shelf life of fruits considerably", said Basheer Ahmad Basheer, president New Fruit Association, Kashmir.
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